TITLE: Doncic’s two-way surge lifts Lakers past Mavericks after 15-point fourth-quarter deficit
SLUG: doncic-two-way-surge-lakers-mavericks
CONTENT:
Luka Doncic powered a late comeback on both ends of the floor as the Los Angeles Lakers stormed past the Dallas Mavericks 116-110 on Tuesday night, erasing a 15-point hole with a decisive 29-8 run at American Airlines Center.
The former Mavericks star finished with 33 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, but his defense drew equal praise. According to head coach J.J. Redick, Doncic produced six consecutive stops on possessions in which Dallas specifically targeted him, then drew a charge on Naji Marshall with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory.
Moments earlier, Doncic knifed through the lane for a layup that widened the Lakers’ lead to eight. The 24-year-old attempted just 15 shots—responding to Redick’s request to move the ball—and anchored an offense that suddenly clicked late.
Fourth-quarter contributions across the roster
LeBron James scored 11 of his 17 points in the final period. Rui Hachimura nailed a four-point play and later buried a three-pointer that put Los Angeles in front for good. Marcus Smart added seven fourth-quarter points while playing through a finger that he said briefly popped out.
Return to Dallas, businesslike tone
Doncic called Dallas “a special place” and thanked fans who braved icy conditions to fill the arena, but the visit carried little nostalgia. “Just business,” he said after posting his third win in four games since the All-Star break.
The Lakers have now taken three of their last four and could get additional help soon, with guard Austin Reaves nearing a return from injury.
Source: Hoops Wire
